Cadence Catch-up with Lewis #20

Welcome to the twentieth edition of Cadence Catch-Up!

It’s amazing how quickly we have racked the editions of this newsletter up. The good news is it still excites me bringing this to you every quarter. But most importantly, followership is growing and readers tell me they are benefitting from reading each edition of Cadence Catch-Up. So it’s onward and upward! Do keep commenting, and providing feedback.

This edition I am calling out risk as the central theme in the selected articles. Those familiar with my work will know that alongside skills, belief and the ability to adapt, risk is one of the core attributes a modern leader needs to be comfortable with. Our ability to understand risk, accept that it exists in most settings we encounter, and develop strategies to mitigate it gives us a shot at reaching our leadership potential. Risk does not have to be our foe, or a speed hump to get around, it can actually open up opportunities if we understand our personal risk appetite.

HOW YOUR RISK APPETITE IMPACTS CAREER CHOICES

In this self-penned article, I examine Risk Appetite in the context of our own careers. Just as organisations develop Risk Appetite Statements to determine their willingness to take on uncertainty and potential loss in the pursuit of profit, our personal Risk Appetite Statements can determine where we work, and how often we might shift employers or career paths. When we apply Risk Appetite to our career choices, we are effectively saying how comfortable we are accepting the cons in exchange for the upside of the pros.

As you read this article, think about your own career situation. Are you in a comfort zone, or a growth zone? Are your values satisfied? Have you taken on too much, or taken too little risk with your career choices?

THE CONFIDENCE GAP

Former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is very familiar with taking risks. She took a risk to stay true to her value set and not fit into the “bear pit” of global politics. She took a risk to embrace vulnerability and be open that she didn’t always have the answers. And she took the biggest risk the day she elected to leave office, mid-term, citing burnout.

As with all politicians, Ardern has both her critics and advocates. However, she has shone a light on modern leadership that both women and men can apply. Strength can be garnered through embracing vulnerability.

“I’VE JUST REALISED, TODAY IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE”

So said Irish rocker and humanitarian Bob Geldof on July 13, 1985 at the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in London, as up to 40% of the global population at the time watched on television as funds were raised to help people in Ethiopia ravaged by famine.

As we mark 40 years since that historic day, much comment has been centred on the musical highlights. However, Live Aid was also a celebration of transformational leadership by Geldof, just 33 at the time, and his fellow organiser Midge Ure.

Geldof’s advocacy for this cause clearly fits under the highest level of leadership advocacy, termed “pinnacle” by author John C. Maxwell. It is at that level leaders influence public opinion and policy through media engagement, raising awareness about important issues and advocating solutions.

In bringing concerts in London and Philadelphia to life, over the space of just a few months, Geldof took risks galore. If he had accepted the status quo, the concerts would never have gotten off the drawing board. His belief in the higher cause, to feed starving people impacted by natural disaster, trumped all.

PODCAST CORNER

After a recent tip-off, I’ve discovered one of the most-listened to podcasts in the world: Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett. The first episode I listened to was with fashion entrepreneur Emma Grede. Not my typical podcast subject! But I found this one so engaging I’ve now listened to it twice.

It is lengthy at 2hrs 15mins. However, Bartlett is a thoughtful interviewer, and Grede an energetic, entertaining guest. The podcast gives plenty of insight into the mindset of an entrepreneur who has unbridled ambition, access to hugely successful people (the Kardashians get a few mentions), who craves the hustle of starting and scaling businesses. Listeners are left in no doubt that profit trumps all for Grede, so it’s not the best podcast for those interested in the subtleties of modern leadership.

That said, Grede exudes “grit” and calls it her biggest gift, the product of growing up in East London, the eldest of four daughters to a single mother. It is clearly innate for her. She has recently launched a podcast of her own, Aspire, with the aim being to “scale mentorship”. Her recent interview with Meghan Markle drew further attention.

Those who like honest, clear responses (her views on work-life balance are refreshing) and an interest in business generally will get a lot from this podcast.

ABOUT LEWIS

Lewis Williams is the Founder of Cadence Leadership Advisory, which provides coaching, strategic and team leadership facilitation and services to individuals and organisations. He has over 25 years leadership experience through senior roles at National Australia Bank and HSBC. Lewis regularly contributes as Adjunct Faculty to AGSM@UNSW on a variety of reskilling, leadership and development programs. He is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Cadence Leadership Advisory is a leadership development business specialising in coaching people, team leadership and development, strategy review and organisational culture.